Copenhagen Kastrup Airport (CPH)

Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup (IATA: CPH, ICAO: EKCH) is the primary international airport serving Copenhagen, Denmark, and the wider Øresund Region. As the largest airport in the Nordic countries, it functions as a major transfer hub for Scandinavia. Opened on April 20, 1925, it is one of Europe's oldest civil airports and has evolved from a small terminal with grass runways into a modern, efficient facility. Its long history reflects the growth of global air travel, with continuous expansion to accommodate increasing passenger numbers and technological advancements in aviation.

The airport is located on the island of Amager, approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) south of Copenhagen's city center. Its proximity to the city allows for quick and easy access. The most efficient transport options are integrated into a station located directly beneath Terminal 3. The Metro's M2 line connects the airport to central Copenhagen in about 15 minutes. Regional trains also depart from this station, offering services to Copenhagen Central Station, other Danish cities, and across the Øresund Bridge to Malmö, Sweden. Public buses and taxis are also readily available outside the arrivals halls.

Handling over 26 million passengers annually, CPH accommodates a mix of domestic, European, and long-haul intercontinental flights. It is the main operating hub for Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and a significant base for other carriers like Norwegian Air Shuttle. The airport’s infrastructure is designed for passenger convenience, with check-in and arrivals split between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Both terminals are interconnected and share a single, large airside passenger area. After security, travelers can freely move between all piers (A, B, C, D, E, and F), which host a wide selection of shops, restaurants, and airline lounges reflecting a distinct Scandinavian design aesthetic.

For a smooth travel experience, passengers should plan to arrive two hours before European (Schengen) flights and three hours prior to non-Schengen international departures. The train and metro provide the most predictable journey times to the airport. When connecting between flights, passengers remain within the same airside area, but must pass through passport control if moving between Schengen and non-Schengen zones. While the airport is known for its efficiency, it is advisable to check security wait times during peak travel periods.